State Report Says Fracking Risks Can Be Managed With Best Practices

The risks of shale gas development through horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking,” in Maryland “can be managed to an acceptable level” if best practices are followed and the state is able to rigorously enforce compliance, according to a draft final report prepared by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Department of Natural Resources.

Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) had previously called for the agencies’ multi-pronged review in 2011 and effectively put fracking on hold in Maryland pending its completion.

“After three years of exhaustive study, we’ve compiled what many believe to be the gold standard for best ...